IDEX receives first production order for new off-chip touch sensor

Oslo, Norway, September 21, 2015: IDEX ASA has received the first order for production quantities of its new off-chip sensor product from World Wide Touch Technology Holding Ltd (WWTT). This is the first volume order for the product which is the core platform for the new range of fingerprint touch sensors launched by IDEX this year. This order from WWTT is an upgrade of an order for our first generation silicon sensors and strongly validates the advantages of IDEX’s patented flexible sensor technology.

IDEX’s next generation sensor technology used in the off-chip product has compelling price/performance and form factor benefits compared with the traditional silicon based products which allows IDEX to offer strongly differentiated solutions to both the mobile device and the card payment markets. Leading OEMs from these markets are actively trialling the products and are giving very positive feedback.

In addition we continue to move forward quickly with the program to secure OEM trials for the in-glass version of our off-chip sensor with the major Fortune 500 partner we announced recently. Sensing in the glass gives much better fingerprint images than those from sensors which are placed under the glass due to the blurring effect of the glass screen which has to be made thick enough to resist cracking. We believe that IDEX’s in-glass sensor using our unique technology will be the only practical solution in the market.

Alongside this IDEX is also commercialising its technology for use in biometric cards where the thin and flexible nature of the off-chip sensor provides great advantages. These solutions are being developed within the strategic partnership we announced in June with a major global payments company.

IDEX ASA specialises in fingerprint imaging and recognition technology. The company has a strong patent portfolio consisting of 25 patent families including more than 225 granted patents, as well as cross licenses with Apple. IDEX has a highly competitive product road map including swipe sensors, touch sensors with disruptive cost positions, and a unique in-glass solution. The company is currently in the process of commercialising the products.

IDEX’s addressable market represents a multi-billion unit opportunity, centred on three core markets: Mobile, ID & smart cards and the Internet of Things. IDEX has seen a substantial increase in interest from global OEMs in the last quarters, and is positioned as of three independent players with the relevant IP to capture market share.